Apple fixes iPhone 3G problems with update

Apple Inc has issued a software update for the latest iPhone to help fix connection problems that led to a flurry of online complaints from customers, a European mobile service provider said on Tuesday as Credit Suisse reported strong U.S. sales of the device.

T-Mobile, owned by Deutsche Telekom AG, said the software was available for users to download to their iPhones on Tuesday, but that it was not yet clear if the upgrade would fix all the connection problems.

"We have had complaints about connectivity in the Netherlands but have not had more complaints than usual for a 3G phone in Germany. Our technicians said today Apple has issued a software update but it is too early to tell if the problems are solved," a T-Mobile spokesman said.

AT&T Inc the only U.S. network operator carrying the iPhone, confirmed that Apple had provided a software update but declined to give details about what it was aimed at fixing.

Apple, which sold about a million iPhones around the launch weekend in July, was not immediately available for comment.